Putting faith into action by sharing commitment

Every Oblate priest receives the Oblate Cross when they commit to serving the Order.

Tradition is for these crosses to be handed down from Oblates who have passed away, as a sign of their ongoing legacy of serving the poor and the marginalised through the Oblate Charism.

Fr Tim Long OMI, first Rector of Iona College, passed on his Oblate Cross to current Iona Chaplain, and former Rector, Fr John Sherman OMI.

As Fr John processed into the first whole- College Mass of 2025 in The Provence Centre, he placed his Oblate Cross on the altar, completing a ritual rich in Iona history.

Each year, the College’s Commitment Mass honours the ongoing dedication of our students, staff, College Board, parents, and our Oblate priests to the vision and mission of the College.

As is tradition, the class of 2025 were presented with their Senior badges. This year, for the first time, the badge was presented pinned to the newly designed Senior tie.

The Senior tie not only distinguishes Year 12 students from their peers, it is also a representation of the responsibility they hold as the current custodians of the College’s culture.

The Senior cohort at Iona is recognised by their white shirts. This year, Year 10 students have been welcomed into the Senior phase of learning in their Iona journey and proudly received their white shirts to start the new year.

The ceremonial blessing of the badges and ties by our Rector Fr Joe Antony OMI, the presentation of the ties to the Seniors by their Heads of House and then having them fitted by members of their families, was an emotional moment and symbolic representation of the commitment these young men were about to make to the Iona community.

The Senior students made a pledge to lead with integrity, faith, and a spirit of service.

With humility and determination, they seek to honour the heritage of our College and the traditions of the Oblates, inspire those who follow, and contribute to a culture of respect, learning, and wellbeing.

Finally, the Iona Leadership Team (ILT) were formally presented to the community by College Board Chair, Mrs Deb Lonsdale-Walker.

The ILT made their own commitment pledge to help all in our community know who they are in the eyes of God — beloved, gifted, and called to make a difference.

The 2025 Commitment Mass was a sacred celebration of long-standing rituals and a community commitment to a new era.